SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Veterinary Medicine in Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
15600  Master of Veterinary Medicine in Pathology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0335/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The main purpose is to gain knowledge, experience and competence in diagnostic anatomical pathology in a wide variety of species, which would lead to registration as a specialist veterinary pathologist with the South African Veterinary Council. Thus, a specialist pathologist would be able to provide an accurate diagnostic service, which would in turn benefit a wide variety of both companion and production animals, with direct benefits to society.

This qualification will also aid in the understanding of research methodology. The completion of a dissertation, which forms an integral part of this qualification, will contribute to gaining of practical experience in this field. This background knowledge will make a considerable contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge, which could then be applied in active research and as a support service to research projects in numerous fields.

This qualification would provide to the knowledge and background experience necessary to effectively teach pathology to undergraduate learners and to train learners in Postgraduate qualificationssuch as Honours and Masters in pathology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science Honours, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Accurately diagnose diseases in a wide variety of species.
    2. Add scientific knowledge to the field of study and demonstrate an ability to initiate, undertake and complete research.
    3. Obtain in-depth knowledge and insight in the field of Veterinary Pathology
    4. Act professionally.
    5. Demonstrate continued interest in new developments and research in veterinary pathology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    One:
    1. After assessment of signalment, abnormalities make a definitive diagnosis or compile an appropriate list of differential diagnoses.
    2. Take the necessary samples, for additional laboratory investigations, to narrow the differential diagnoses down to a definitive diagnosis.

    Two:
    1. A dissertation based on original research that is acceptable to peer review as well as external assessors.
    2. Publication of the research undertaken in an acceptable scientific journal.

    Three:
    1. Pass appropriate ancillary subjects, under the supervision of internal and external assessors.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge in veterinary pathology by passing written and practical examinations under the supervision of internal and external assessors.

    Four:
    1. Take responsibility and deal with cases within accepted professional norms.
    2. Respect client veterinarian confidentiality.

    Five:
    1. Demonstrate the ability to keep up to date with current developments.
    2. Be able to apply and debate techniques reported in current and relevant literature.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Portfolios.
    Simulations.
    Work-place assessments.
    Written examinations.
    Oral examinations.

    Other:
    Portfolio:
    A dissertation acceptable to peer and external review.

    Formative assessment:
    Continued and informal assessment and monitoring of the learner during practical work, while under the supervision of a specialist pathologist with continuous feedback.

    Summative assessment:
    1. Dissertation that has been completed and assessed.
    2. Written and practical examination which covers both theoretical knowledge, practical interpretation of lesions and acquired experience occur at pre-determined intervals and at the end of the period of study. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Veterinary Medicine in Anaesthesiology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Veterinary Medicine in Equine Medicine, NQF Levele 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Veterinary Science, NQF NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Pretoria 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.